Developing a Simple, Robust and Universal Surface Coating Method

本研究旨在开发一种适用于任何表面的通用表面改性方法，无论表面化学或材料特性如何。目前，每种表面改性方法都只针对某一类型的表面。这样一种通用的表面改性方法并不存在。这项工作的目的是通过物理或/和化学力进行儿茶酚表面结合的系统和基础研究，并开发一种简单，稳健和通用的表面涂层方法。本研究的方法将是将一种表征良好的聚合物，由一个功能部分和一个表面粘附部分组成，到表面。表面粘合剂部分将基于儿茶酚基团，其原则上可以连接到任何类型的表面，特别是在胺基存在下。功能部分将基于两性离子聚（羧基甜菜碱甲基丙烯酸酯）（PCB）聚合物，因为这是最具挑战性的表面涂层问题，因为PCB在水溶液中高度水合。这种通用涂层将在从疏水到亲水的许多表面上进行测试，包括贵金属，金属，聚合物和半导体。如果成功，这项研究的好处将包括（a）化学和物理力如何相互作用，以实现稳定的表面涂层，并具有高堆积密度和（B）一个新的表面改性策略适用于连接任何类型的功能聚合物的任何表面的基本理解。它将在从医疗器械到消费品的广泛应用中产生重大影响。代表性不足的本科生和社区学院的研究人员将通过完善的外展计划招募。该项目还将为高中学生和教师提供暑期研究机会，并为访问学生和教授提供机会。PI一直积极参与国家和大学层面的国际合作，并正在组织将于2013年12月举行的第一次生物启发和两性离子材料国际会议。

This research is about developing a universal surface modification method applicable to any surface, irrespective of surface chemistry or material characteristics. At present, each surface modification method is specific to only a certain type of surface. Such a universal surface modification method does not exist. The objective of this work is to perform a systematic and fundamental study of catechol surface binding via physical or/and chemical forces and to develop a simple, robust, and universal surface coating method. The approach of this research will be to attach a well-characterized polymer, consisting of one functional moiety and one surface-adhesive moiety, to a surface. The surface-adhesive moiety will be based on a catechol group, which in principle can be attached to any type of surface, particularly in the presence of amine groups. The functional moiety will be based on a zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (PCB) polymer, since this is the most challenging surface coating problem due to PCB being highly hydrated in aqueous solutions. This universal coating will be tested on a number of surfaces ranging from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, including noble metals, metals, polymers, and semiconductors. If successful, the benefits of this research will include (a) a fundamental understanding of how chemical and physical forces interplay to achieve surface coatings that are stable and have a high packing density and (b) a new surface modification strategy applicable for attaching any kind of functional polymer to any surface. It will have significant impact in a wide range of applications from medical devices to consumer products. Underrepresented undergraduate and community college researchers will be recruited through well-established outreach programs. This project will also provide opportunities for high school students and teachers for summer research and for visiting students and professors. The PI has been actively involved in international collaborations at national and university levels and is organizing the first international conference on bio-inspired and zwitterionic materials to be held in December 2013.